Teaching Simulation with Spreadsheets

This paper focuses on a spreadsheet-based approach to teaching simulation. The objective is to introduce spreadsheets as a powerful simulation tool for educational purposes. The spreadsheet simulation facilitates the familiarisation with basic simulation concepts apart from simulation software. The paper deals with basic types of simulation models suitable for spreadsheets. The static stochastic or Monte Carlo simulation models are introduced through a sample model for lead-time demand distribution evaluation. The two main types of dynamic simulation spreadsheets models are overviewed as well. The discrete-event system simulation basic concepts are introduced by simulating a two-server system with a single queue. A population dynamics simulation model presents the System Dynamics concepts. The basic simulation model types that are available on spreadsheets make it possible to study simulation concepts, methodology, and techniques as well as to use spreadsheets for on-hand simulation in business games, case studies, engineering, etc. The overviewed experiences in using spreadsheets for teaching simulation result in indication of spreadsheets as an alternative simulation software.